A Valuable Course

    This entire class (both the in class meetings, online lectures, and visits to the Wake County Animal Center) have been rich learning experiences for me.  I had no previous knowledge of the difference between point and shoot cameras and DSLR cameras, Photoshop, the Wake County Animal Center or photography in general.  I have found everything in this class to be particularly valuable; however, my trips to the Wake County Animal Center and learning to use Photoshop have been the two greatest impacts on me.  With that said, I could not have learned how to use Photoshop without the help of Professor Johnstone's in class meetings and online lectures.  By providing the lectures online, I am able to watch them at my own pace and take notes.  I can watch them over and over (which I do) when I do not understand.  I like being able to go back and replay videos when I do not understand or when I think to myself, "How did Professor Johnstone say to do that again?"  I think the online content is extremely important and is very helpful.  I love being able to have all of that information at my fingertips.  The videos are extremely helpful and I am so thankful to have the step by step process because that's exactly what I needed.  The checklist for editing photos has also been helpful.  Our face to face class meetings are also helpful as Professor Johnstone answers all of our questions and reviews techniques that are still causing us to be a bit puzzled. 
      When I started this class, I was extremely nervous.  I had no idea how my tender heart could walk into the Wake County Animal Center and not cry each and every visit.  With the guidance of Professor Johnstone, the workers and volunteers at the center, and my classmates, I have been able to enjoy each and every minute I spend at the center.  I will admit, it is extremely difficult to not walk out of there with another pet; however, I know that I am impacting animal's lives each and every visit.  It is an incredible feeling to see my class working together to change lives.  I love to look on the Wake County Animal Center website and see that my classmates and I have photographs all over the place.  The feeling my heart gets when an animal has a deposit and is getting adopted is extraordinary.  All the love the animals offer every visit brings a smile to my face.  I have gained an enormous amount of confidence in photographing the animals.  I had no idea I would be able to walk into a kennel, get my subject to stay still, and take photographs I was able to edit and submit for my class.  However, I have been pleasantly surprised.  This class has also taught me about the power of teamwork.  Although I have been at the center several times by myself, I have also had the privilege to work with my classmates.  Working together to take the photographs is great.  It allows me to get to know other members of the class as well as work together for a common purpose! 
     I have learned so much about cameras, how to take photographs of moving subjects, and how to edit the photos.  I have learned how to make these animals more adoptable.  I have also gained confidence in using Photoshop...which was extremely challenging at first.  I now feel much more confident in editing photographs; however, I know that I will always be able to continue that learning process.  I know what steps come next in the editing process now.  Photoshop does not intimidate me any more!  If I can say anything about this course, it is that I hope it is offered throughout the fall and spring semesters because so many lives could be impacted.  I do not have a shadow of a doubt that Meredith women would take charge and impact the lives of the animals at the Wake County Animal Center.

Eccentric Eva 70325
Photo Courtesy of Brittany Murray
Photo Taken: May 16th, 2012

     This was one of the first photographs that I took and edited.  As you can see, I did lighten the eyes and ears and I captured Eccentric Eva's face looking at the camera.  However, the camera had a yellow tint that was occurring in my photographs.  Professor Johnstone quickly helped me to understand the problem on the camera!  I have learned a great deal since this photograph was taken!

Bobby 72229
Photo Courtesy of Brittany Murray
Photo Taken: May 30th, 2012

     This photograph of Bobby was taken May 30th!  I can tell from Eccentric Eva's photo to Bobby's that I have learned a great deal.  Bobby is looking at the camera, Bobby's ears are up, I lightened the eyes, ears, captured more of Bobby's body, and used many of the features in Photoshop!  I also no longer have the yellow tint in the photograph.